Look at Me Now- R5/Ross Lynch

26 | Things are looking up

It's been a few days since the incident, and the Lynchs were having a great time besides the fact that Riker is still injured. They were all at the Ratliff's house, enjoying a small gathering. It was their way of thanking Riker for what he did.

"You should've seen Riker, he looked like an action star fighting that man," Ross broke down into laughter.

Their siblings laughed at the thought. "Too bad I didn't have dinner yet when that happened, because if I did, I would've beaten his butt off," Riker chuckles.

Then, the sweet aroma of hot choco and coffee surrounded the living room. Stormie and Cheryl walked into the kitchen with trays in their hands, filled with food.

"Finally! I'm starving," Ellington teases.

Cheryl rolls her eyes and places the trays on the table. As soon as she did, their children; who we're acting like eights year olds, grabbed the food and threw it into their mouths.

"Yum," Rydel struggles to say because her mouth was filled.

"Wow. Such babies," Mark teases.

"Correction dad, it's called 'hunger' incase you haven't heard of it," Rocky says before taking a sip from his coffee.

The laughter and chats continued. It was a moment to be remembered. Everyone was having fun, sharing some jokes and stories. It made them wish that this day would never end.

Kring kring, Ross startles to the vibration of his phone. "Oops, excuse me for a second," He says, walking to the front porch.

"Hello?" He says as he picks up.

("Ross. This is Bea. Your concert is literally three days away, and you haven't showed up! I've been calling you for the last few days, but you don't even bother to answer.") She says with a disappointed tone. Well, she obviously is.

"Look, Riker got in trouble because of me, and I can't just leave him-"

("And you'd rather put your concert to waste? Damn it! We've put too much effort on this Ross, you can't do this!")

"I'm not putting it to waste! I just need a break! In case you haven't heard of the news which is all over the place, I was almost kidnapped, and Riker was put in danger. I think I'm reasonable enough to postpone the concert Bea." Ross says casually, trying to keep his voice down.

("What?! Are you mad? We can't do that Ross. Look, we can just find someone to replace Riker, and we'll make sure that you're safe during the concert, and no one can harm you. I get that you're traumatized, but-") Bea says persuasively, but Ross suddenly cuts her sentence.

"That's not what I meant. I'm not afraid Bea. I don't care if I get harmed or whatsoever, all I want is to get to perform when everything's ready. And that includes Riker. And do not, even think about replacing him. The decision is still mine, remember that." Ross quickly hung up. He let out a sigh, and took a set nearby. He hid his face behind his hands. He was so stressed.

"Well, that didn't go well."

Ross startled when a familiar voice caught his attention. He quickly faced towards the door, and found Riker standing there. He was leaning towards the wall beside him, since he wasn't allowed to get too tired.

"How long have you been standing there?" Ross says, surprised.

"Long enough to hear the whole thing." Riker chuckled. "Sorry for that."

Ross shrugged, and tapped the seat beside him. Riker then made his way, and sat beside Ross.

"You didn't have to hear that, you know." Ross says.

"Eh. It's fine. Wanna tell me more about it?" Riker says, resting his back.

Ross takes a deep breath. "I don't know what got into me. I did it. I postponed the concert that we've been rehearsing for for months. I just felt like I had to do it."

"I know I'm one of the reasons why you rescheduled the concert. But dude, you didn't have to. I'm just your back up guitarist, you could easily find someone else man." Riker says truthfully.

Ross shakes his head. "You know I can't do that. After everything we've been through? Nah. This is the least I could do Riker. I know that one of your greatest dreams is to get to perform in front of a huge crowd, and the only way that could come true, is if you'll perform with us."

Riker couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face. He was so thankful to Ross for being very understanding.

"Wait a second, how'd you know that performing in front of a huge crowd is one of my dreams?" Riker raised his eyebrow.

Ross was surprised by his question. Ross remembers that Riker told him this before he got separated from his family. Way to go, Ross.

"U-uh, I kinda guessed. And I guessed right didn't I?" Ross lies.

"Wow. You're good." Riker smiles.

Their conversation was interrupted when Rocky and Ellington joined them. "Sup guys,"

"Why'd you guys follow?" Riker asks.

"Well, we're planning a little surprise party for Rydel. It's her birthday this Saturday," Ellington goes straight to the point.

"Sounds exciting," Ross cheers up.

"And..." Ratliff trails off.

Everyone looks at him, waiting for him to continue his sentence. "And what?" Riker asks impatiently.

"I'm going to ask her, to be my girlfriend." Ellington whispers, making sure that Rydel won't hear it.

"What?! You're insane!" Rocky teases.

"I'm dead serious," Ellington says.

The guys shrug. "Since when was there something between you two?" Ross asks curiously.

Ellington sighs. "Uh, I actually don't remember. But we've been going out lately," He says.

"Hmm..." Ross puts his hands on his chin. "What about an outing? You know, all of us stuck in a beautiful beach resort. Before, I told myself that it would be romantic if I'd ask my girl to be my girlfriend on a beach, in front of the sunset. But, I think Ellington and Rydel could actually make it work." Ross grins.

"Actually..." Ellington trails off. "That's freaking awesome! I can already imagine everything, dude it's gonna be amazing!" He says excitedly.

"Well, when do we plan to do all these?" Rocky asks.

"I think that since it's Rydel's birthday, we're reasonable enough to go to a resort as a celebration. So I say, let's do it on her exact birthday." Riker suggests.

Everyone seems to agree.

"Leave the planning to me guys," Ross announces. "I can find us a nice resort, and book a flight there overnight. I'll just inform you guys." He smiles.

"That's great. But guys, remember, be quiet. Rydel shouldn't know." Ellington reminds them.

They nod confidently.

"What shouldn't I know?"

All heads slowly turn to Rydel, who stood at the door with her arms crossed, and her eyebrows raised.

"Uhh..." Ellington says awkwardly.

"I-it's nothing Rydel, don't mind us." Riker says.

She rolls her eyes. "Whatever you guys are planning, I'm gonna find out." Before she walked away, she stuck her tongue out.

"Pheww..." They feel relieved. "That was close."

Ellington smiles. "And I am this close to making her my girlfriend." He says dreamily.